Dexketoprofen
About
Dexketoprofen belongs to the group of medications called NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) primarily used to relieve mild to moderate pain and inflammation in conditions like musculoskeletal pain, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), toothache, etc. It is also used to relieve pain associated with surgeries, migraines (like a headache) and knee pain. Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, which causes uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain can cause inflammation, redness, swelling and fever.
Dexketoprofen contains ‘Dexketoprofen’, which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in your body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical ', prostaglandins' (PG). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Take Dexketoprofen as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Dexketoprofen for as long as your doctor has recommended it for you, depending on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience common side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, indigestion, and heartburn. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Dexketoprofen for as long as your doctor has prescribed. To avoid recurring symptoms, do not stop it midway. Consult your doctor before taking Dexketoprofen if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe you Dexketoprofen only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Dexketoprofen should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Dexketoprofen causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Avoid consuming alcohol with Dexketoprofen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. It should not be used by a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or going to have it.
Uses of Dexketoprofen
Medicinal Benefits
Dexketoprofen contains Dexketoprofen, which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in your body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical, 'prostaglandins' (PG). These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the COX enzyme's effect, lesser PGs are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Dexketoprofen used to relieve pain and inflammation in conditions like muscle pain, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) and dental pain. Besides, it relieves mild to moderate pain associated with surgeries, migraines and knee pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dexketoprofen
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Before taking Dexketoprofen, inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and indomethacin) or to any other medicine. If you have had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, asthma, liver or kidney problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, high blood sugar or cholesterol levels, lupus erythematosus, inform your doctor before taking Dexketoprofen. Dexketoprofen may cause an increased risk of severe heart problems like myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. The risk may increase for prolonged use of Dexketoprofen. It should not be used by a patient who has undergone recent heart bypass surgery or going to have it. Dexketoprofen increases the risk of severe gastrointestinal conditions like bleeding, ulceration and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at greater risk for gastrointestinal bleeding problems, so the doctor can limit their dose. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Dexketoprofen. Dexketoprofen is not recommended in children below 18 years of age. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Dexketoprofen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Dexketoprofen may hide signs of infections such as fever and pain. It may delay appropriate treatment of infections like pneumonia and bacterial skin infections related to chickenpox, which may lead to an increased risk of complications.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dexketoprofen may have interaction with medicines used to treat pain (naproxen, aspirin), medicines used to prevent blood clots (warfarin, heparin, streptokinase), medicines used to treat certain mood disorders (lithium), medicines used for rheumatoid arthritis and cancer (methotrexate ), medicines used for epilepsy (hydantoins, phenytoin), antibiotics (sulphamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), medicines used to treat chronic venous ulcers (pentoxifylline, oxpentifylline), medicines used to treat viral infections (zidovudine), anti-diabetics (chlorpropamide, glibenclamide), medicines used to treat immune system diseases and in organ transplant (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), medicines used to treat depression (duloxetine, sertraline, escitalopram), medicines used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention (fluoxetine), medicines used as an abortifacient (to terminate a pregnancy) (mifepristone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Dexketoprofen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Dexketoprofen should not be given in patients with stomach/intestine ulcer or bleeding, heart failure, fluid retention (oedema), asthma, high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anaemia (low red blood cells), rash, platelet aggregation inhibition, kidney and liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Dexketoprofen. Alcohol intake, along with Dexketoprofen, may cause increased drowsiness and drowsiness and may increase gastrointestinal ulcer risk and bleeding like other painkillers.
Pregnancy
cautionDexketoprofen is a Category B pregnancy drug. It is not recommended to take Dexketoprofen while you are pregnant, especially in the last trimester. Please consult your doctor before taking Dexketoprofen if you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe you Dexketoprofen if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Dexketoprofen passes into the mother’s milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Dexketoprofen if you are breastfeeding, your doctor will prescribe you Dexketoprofen if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionDexketoprofen may cause drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness and vision disturbances in some cases. So it is better not to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy.
Liver
cautionTake Dexketoprofen with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed and should be used with caution in patients with kidney impairment/kidney disease. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionDexketoprofen should not be used in children as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
- If you are elderly, a smoker, had a stroke previously or have high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, please inform your doctor, as these conditions may increase the risk of heart problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: It is not a disease but a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp, constant, or may come and go. The tolerance level of pain might vary from person to person. Pain can be generalized (overall body aches) or localized (affecting a specific area of the body). Pain can be considered a good thing as it helps us know something is wrong in the body and helps diagnose the condition. The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis and stomach ache.
FAQs
Dexketoprofen contains Dexketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation (redness and swelling).
Yes, Dexketoprofen can be used to treat menstrual cramps. Dexketoprofen is a pain killer that decreases pain and inflammation, inducing a chemical messenger known as prostaglandin (PG) production in the body that is involved in making the uterus (womb) contract during periods.
Dexketoprofen may increase the risk of heart problems such as heart attack and stroke, especially when used in high doses or for a prolonged duration. It is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions or have a history of heart problems or stroke before taking Dexketoprofen. However, it is recommended to take Dexketoprofen in the dose and for the duration as prescribed by your doctor. It should not be used by a patient who has had a recent heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft - CABG).
No, you are not recommended to take Dexketoprofen with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the risk of bleeding more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
Arthritis is a chronic condition of joints with pain and inflammation. Dexketoprofen does not cure arthritis but relieves symptoms of arthritis-like joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
